Pilot Knob Lutheran Marks of True Faith 1/25/2023
Reputation: a favorable and publicly recognized name or standing for merit, achievement, or reliability. (Dictionary.com) A reputation is something that is established over time with consistency, but can be tarnished in no time flat.
Everyone has a reputation for better or worse. Churches have reputations as we read in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; for they (believers in Macedonia and Achaia) themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. The Christians in Thessalonica faced “severe suffering” (vs. 6) for being followers of Jesus Christ. Despite that they demonstrated their faith was genuine.
Notice three things they were noted for that pointed to true faith. 1. They turned away from false gods. Today false gods might be money, education, science, influence or ourselves. A god is what or who we trust and depend on for life. “You shall have no other God’s before me.”
2. While facing opposition these Christians continued to serve one another and those in their community. The acts of kindness were not to attain salvation or God’s favor nor to keep their salvation. Their acts of kindness were a natural product of their faith.
3. They had their heart fixed upon the Lord’s promised return. This promise provides hope for today and tomorrow. It reminds us there is something better beyond this world that is for every believer. The hope of our Lord’s return enables us to face the injustices of today.
Does your life exhibit these three marks of genuine faith, even a little?
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today, 25, 4:30 confirmation.
January 29, 9:00 AM Morning worship. Sermon: Foolishness Shames the Wise.
10:15 Sunday school.
2:00 GriefShare. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this, encourage them to attend.
Annual meeting February 12, 10:25 AM Reports due January 29.
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
Sermons may be heard on KIOW 107.3 FM Sunday mornings at 7:00. Spread the word. If you would like to support this outreach with a contribution, it costs $55 each week.
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